Key Features of St Leonard’s Church

• Small historic market town with interesting with Tudor and Georgian buildings
• Plenty of good options for eating out
• The church dates from Norman times with a mix of architectural styles
• Situated on the Ridgeway with plenty of walking routes
• Dog friendly – free stays for dogs!
• Cyclist friendly – welcome to bring your bike inside
• Car park next to the church
• Free Wi-Fi provided

St Leonard’s is a thriving community church, spacious yet peaceful, and reordered to include modern facilities so the community can hold events and welcome many more people into their church. Dating from Norman times, with a Medieval tower, Decorated Gothic and Perpendicular Gothic windows,  and extensively rebuilt in the 14th century. The bell tower also has a very old clock and houses eight bells, the oldest dated 1587.

As with all our active churches, Champers get to stay on days when there isn’t anything else happening, or get to join in with it all – you choose! For St Leonard’s, please note:

* Champers have exclusive access from 5pm to 9am.

* Every Wednesday is bell practice from 7 till 8 pm! It’s a fantastic 8-bell tower, so you might like to stop over and enjoy the ancient bells, or,  go out for dinner at this point!

You’re in the glorious Chiltern Hills, need we say more! There are many places to visit in Watlington town itself, as a small town everything is in walking distance of the church. For further afield adventures, you’re a mere 10 miles from Henley on Thames, 15 miles from Oxford, or take a glorious country walk up Watlington Hill. Staying one night? Why not make it two?!

Bring your own breakfast – they have  a toaster and everything you’ll need. Or if you’re ready to get out and about, we recommend a hearty breakfast at The Granary Café in the High Street, open Monday to Saturday at 9am. Oh, and for those last minute “I’ve forgotten my toothbrush” moments, the nearest convenience store is the Co-Op in the High Street, only a 5 minute walk away. Snacks anyone?

For eating out options, there’s the highly recommended The Chequers Pub  which is great for lunchtime and evening dining or The Fat Fox for a traditional style pub and menu.  We’ve also heard the pizza are very good at The Spire and Spoke (anyone like to try them out for us?).

Or if a night in the nave is your preferred eating out setting, grab a fish & chips or Indian curry at Kingfishers or House of Spice in Couching Street, both are in easy walking distance from the church.